a question about dvd ripping and encoding

[nuclear hawk]

ok
I have 30 DVD disks in my collection, which I'd like to back up.
Now I don't have place for DVD writer, I don't want to throw anything out to make this place, sause everything works fine(for now and I don't want to buy external DVD writer, cause it's too expensive for me. So I'd like to back my disks either in DivX or XviD formats.
Now I'd like to have:
1)explanation which programs to use for step by step-means which program to use first, which second, etc'
2)links to sites, where I can download those programs from
3)links to guides/explanations on how actually to do what I want to do with those programs
4)I need a link where there are explanations on how to calculate best resolution/dpi for desired space, since I don't want to spend more then 2 700MB disks on one movie.
Please note, that I use K-lite codeck pack, which includes DivX and XviD encoding,AC3 filter and all needed staff, which works fine so far, so I am very very very much reluctant of installing any other codeck packs, for it can potentially cause incompatabilities and errors. I also can't use Gordian knot rippack in it's present form, for it has divx and xvid encoding in it, which as I've mentioned before I already have...That means I'll have to go on separate programs...
I realize that all the questions I have asked here in one might be already answered separately but I doubt they were answered as one whole..for me to do research on forum would take 5 days aprox, for you - experts -5 mins tops.
I am sorry for inconvinience, if any, and waiting for your replies

[ammck55]

Welcome to the forum:

Have you checked out the Divx /Xvid Guides (http://www.doom9.org/divx-encoding.htm)? Many of your questions will be answered there, so spend some time reading on that page while waiting for an expert to drop in. One of those, I am not. :)

ammck55

[jggimi]

I recommend you use Auto Gordian Knot, until you get your feet wet and decide you need the custom capabilities of Gordian Knot.

In AutoGK, DivX 5.1.1 Pro may be used, but it is not bundled with it, and is installed separately. The AutoGK installation program allows you to deselect the installation of XviD 1.01, if you wish.

When you want to move to GK, it's the same thing. With GK's codec installer, you may elect not to install individual codecs during installation.

AutoGK is described (in excrutiating detail) in these links:

The official thread:
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=64266

The FAQ:
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=72679

The website:
http://www.autogk.net/web/

And I'm no expert, I just play one on TV.

[nuclear hawk]

In AutoGK, DivX 5.1.1 Pro may be used, but it is not bundled with it, and is installed separately. The AutoGK installation program allows you to deselect the installation of XviD 1.01, if you wish.
there is some misunderstanding I think...I said I don't need NO codecks - I have them ALL, so just to prevent incompatabilities I'd prefer to go on separate programs which REQUIRE codecks, but DO NOT have them inside the package. That's the reason I didn't go for Gknot auto or not auto

Have you checked out the Divx /Xvid Guides? Many of your questions will be answered there, so spend some time reading on that page while waiting for an expert to drop in.
yes I did and no I haven't found there anything to my SPECIFIC purpose. I have understand general idea...I think.. but still don't know what programs to use.
Now I understand that first I have to rip it, then convert to divx or xvid, then split, if needed, the question is with what tools (according to my situation, described before)

Then there is another question I haven't thought of until now: I have multiple audio streams on DVD and I need only 1! How do I pick this one? I hope I want have to rip multiple times just to find out what I need

[manono]

there is some misunderstanding I think...I said I don't need NO codecks

And jggimi said you don't have to install them if you already have them. If there's a misunderstanding, I think it's at your end.

He believes, and I agree, that if it's your first try at backing up your DVD collection, that you'll be better off with a simple and easy to use all-in-one program such as AutoGK. Walk before you run, as they say. If, after a back-up or 2, you decide it's a bit too simple for what you want to do, then you can switch to doing it all manually. Personally, I think you'll be surprised at how well it works, and how good the results are.

But if you insist on doing it manually, we also have guides for that. For example, here's Doom9's Guide to creating .avis using the XviD codec. You'll need to have VirtualDubMod installed, and AviSynth, and these come with both AutoGK and GKnot, one reason why it's a good idea to install them, even if you don't intend to use those programs as a front end for your encoding. And you'll also have to be able to create an .avs for frameserving into VDubMod, and GKnot makes that easy:

http://www.doom9.org/xvid-vdub-final.htm

If you haven't done this before, don't be fooled into thinking it's easy. Many people just starting out have had excellent results with AutoGK, and so will you, if you give it a chance. Good Luck.

[nuclear hawk]

And jggimi said you don't have to install them if you already have them. If there's a misunderstanding, I think it's at your end. So if I understand correctly in installation window at some point I'll be promted to install or not to install certain codecks and I can disselect those I don't want to...Will all codecks apear in that window or will some be installed by default, without even promting me?

Still need answer about how to pick needed audio stream out of many

[killingspree]

exactly... just take a closer look at it!

Originally posted by nuclear hawk

Still need answer about how to pick needed audio stream out of many

tell us which method you are using and we'll tell you how to select your audio stream - read the guides and the question is totally obsolent!